I'll paste it here for you. This is huge. It may even lead to a permanent relationship, which joins both companies fighter rosters. Add the fact that they Strikeforce already has a local fan base and have been the predominant NoCal MMa league and this is good for all MMA fans. Showtim having success would also make it more likely the UFC will remain on HBO.

In the aftermath of the struggle over Frank Shamrock (Pictures), Strikeforce and EliteXC announced a "strategic alliance" Wednesday afternoon that opens the door for co-promoted cards featuring Shamrock on Showtime-distributed pay-per-view.

Following Shamrock's fight Feb. 10 versus Renzo Gracie (Pictures) — a bout that was in jeopardy until Strikeforce and EliteXC came to terms late Monday evening — Showtime will broadcast joint Strikeforce/EliteXC cards beginning with an April pay-per-view showdown between Shamrock and Phil Baroni (Pictures).

Showtime, a premium cable network, makes its MMA broadcast debut on Feb. 10 with a five-bout card headlined by Shamrock-Gracie at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven, Miss.

_______________________________________“Never violate a woman, nor harm a child. Do not lie ,cheat ,or steal.for selfish gain. These things are for lesser men. Protect the weak against the evil strong. And never allow thoughts of gain to lead you into the pursuit of evil. Never back away from an enemy. Either fight or surrender. It is not enough to say I will not be evil. Evil must be fought wherever it is found.”The Iron Code